MLB: NLCS-Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets Oct 18, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets left fielder Jesse Winker (3) singles during game five of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Mets building a dynamic outfield with tremendous upside

Originally posted on Empire Sports Media
By Matthew Legros | Last updated Jan 17, 2025 10:48 AM ET

Jesse Winker is once again a member of the New York Mets, which makes their outfield’s future look bright.

Mets bring back Jesse Winker on $7.5 million deal

According to Joel Sherman and Justin Terranova of The New York Post, the Mets resigned Winker to a short-term deal on Thursday:

“The team is re-signing outfielder Jesse Winker on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, The Post’s Joel Sherman confirmed. The deal can reach $9 million with incentives,” Terranova wrote. “Aside from his role as an extra outfielder, Winker is known for his electric celebrations in big moments — including a helmet-smashing scene when scoring a run in Game 3 of the wild-card round against the Brewers.”

Jul 29, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Jesse Winker (3) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Mets have versatile outfield to deploy in 2025

New York will now deploy an outfield featuring Winker, Brandon Nimmo, and Starling Marte in 2025, should Harrison Bader opt to leave in free agency. Nimmo predominantly played out of left field last season, while Marte saw everyday duties at right field. However, Nimmo has played 546 of his 850 career games in center field.

Thus, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza could slide the Wyoming native back over to the middle of the field and insert Winker, a former 2021 MLB All-Star, to left field, where he has ample experience. In 2024, the 31-year-old notched 14 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a career-high 14 stolen bases. He also posted a cumulative .986 fielding percentage with only two errors committed on defense.

It remains to be seen how much longer Marte can man the outfield at 36 years of age, while Nimmo is flexible in occupying several defensive slots. Nevertheless, New York has a chance to boast a stout defense next time out and will hope that Winker can produce up to par akin to his noteworthy output from three years ago.

This article first appeared on Empire Sports Media and was syndicated with permission.

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